Deferred entry of judgment pilot program.

Assembly Member Kalra proposes extending a deferred entry of judgment pilot program in Butte, Nevada, and Santa Clara counties that allows eligible young adult offenders to receive rehabilitative services typically reserved for juvenile defendants. The program, which currently operates through January 2026, would continue until January 2029 under the legislation.

The pilot program permits defendants aged 18-20 at the time of their offense to serve sentences in juvenile facilities rather than county jails if they meet specific eligibility criteria and plead guilty to qualifying felony charges. Defendants aged 21-24 may participate with approval from a county multidisciplinary team. The program excludes individuals required to register as sex offenders or those convicted of serious or violent felonies. Participants must demonstrate potential to benefit from juvenile court services like cognitive behavioral therapy, educational programming, and vocational training.

Each participating county must establish a multidisciplinary oversight team including representatives from probation, courts, law enforcement, health services, and youth advocacy organizations. The legislation requires counties to submit comprehensive program evaluations to state legislative committees by December 2027, examining impacts on sentencing practices, community supervision opportunities, and participant outcomes compared to young adults in traditional criminal justice settings. Counties may partner with academic institutions to conduct these assessments.

The Board of State and Community Corrections maintains authority to approve facility use and verify compliance with federal requirements for separating juvenile and adult populations. Probation departments must develop risk assessment protocols for screening candidates and create reentry service plans addressing housing, employment, and education needs. The maximum program duration remains one year in juvenile custody.